TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 1-3
OVERVIEW:
The end of David’s reign; Adonijah’s attempt to take the throne; Solomon anointed and announced as king; David’s final charge to Solomon; Solomon executes judgment; Solomon asks for and receives wisdom.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
The Book of I Kings begins with David as a very aged king. Interestingly, it is the brother of Absalom, Adonijah, who tries to take advantage of this and exalt himself as king. It also appears that David knew Adonijah was “up to something,” but never bothered to deal with the situation (1:5-6). Adonijah is able to garner the support of Joab and Abiathar. Here are two key men from David’s reign, a leader of the army and one of the leading priests, backing Adonijah’s claim to the throne. However, that doesn’t make it right. Too many times we look to the human personalities involved and follow whichever one we prefer rather than looking to God’s truth and following it. Notice the “debate” is ended when the word of the king (David) is sought and obeyed.
David’s final words to Solomon emphasize the need to walk in God’s way. However, it also deals with three people that need to be dealt with: Joab, the sons of Barzillai, and Shimei. Of the three, the ones to receive mercy are the ones that responded to the king (David) when he didn’t look like the king. The other two represent two different types of people. Shimei is the one who cursed David, but tried to look good to Solomon (1:8). There are billions of people who curse Christ and reject Him now, but one day will bow before Him and proclaim Him Lord (Philippians 2:11). Sadly, it will be too late. Joab is a different type. On the outside it looks like they are with the king, but their heart never trusts him. They think their bad deeds are offset by their good deeds, and in their flesh they “serve” the king. Their heart is ultimately revealed when the Son of David reigns on the throne inJerusalem. This will happen again as told by Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23. Notice also Adonijah’s downfall; a man who tried to be the king, but then realizes there is only one true king. He has an outward form of submission in chapter one, but is still looking out for himself in chapter two. He believes the way to get the king’s blessing is through the king’s mom, Bathsheba. His plan results in his death. There are still a billion people on earth today trying to get the favor of Christ (the Son of David) by going through His “mom”, Mary. Tragically their result will be the same as Adonijah’s – death.
In chapter three, notice the statements made about Solomon – he loves God and walks in statutes of David. In fact, the only negative is there is still worship of the Lord being done in “high places”. This is because there is no temple yet (3:2). Solomon will remedy this problem during his reign. Also, the Lord allows Solomon to ask for anything, and Solomon asks for understanding to “judge thy people”. Solomon’s wisdom is put to the test and the judgment Solomon pronounces is to use the sword to reveal the truth. The sword revealed the intents of the heart in these two women. We, too, have the wisdom of God, and it is in a sword that is able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews4:12).
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
Through SOLOMON as the Son of David sitting on the throne of David with his kingdom established. – I Kings2:12(Luke1:32; Mark11:10).